After the Mauryas, new kingdoms appeared in different parts of India. In eastern India, central India and the Deccan, the Mauryas were followed by native rulers such as the Shungas, Kanavas and Satvahanas.
In north-western India, however, several ruling dynasties came from Central Asia. Among them, the Kushanas became the most famous.
This article is important for exams because it covers Indo-Greeks, Shakas, Parthians, Kushanas, Menander, Rudradaman, Gondophernes, Kanishka, Gandhara art, Silk Route, Mahayana Buddhism, coinage, cavalry and foreign impact on Indian society.
Table of Contents
Background of Central Asian Contacts
After the decline of Mauryan power, India did not remain under one large empire. Different regions came under different rulers.
- Eastern India, central India and the Deccan saw native rulers like Shungas, Kanavas and Satvahanas.
- North-western India saw the rise of ruling dynasties from Central Asia.
- Among these Central Asian powers, the Kushanas became the most famous.
This contact was not only political. It also affected trade, coinage, art, military methods, society, religion and literature.
The Indo-Greeks
The first people to cross the Hindukush were the Greeks. They ruled Bactria, corresponding to modern-day northern Afghanistan.
Because of growing pressure from the Scythian tribes, later Greek rulers could not hold their power in Bactria and were pushed towards India.
Expansion of Indo-Greeks in India
The Indo-Greeks occupied a large part of north-western India.
Their territorial expansion in northern India surpassed the area previously conquered by Alexander the Great.
They moved as far as:
- Ayodhya
- Patliputra
However, they could not establish a united rule in India.
Menander or Milinda
The most famous Indo-Greek ruler was Menander, who ruled from 165–145 BCE.
He is also known as Milinda.
His capital was Sakala, modern Sialkot, in Punjab.
Menander and Buddhism
Menander was converted to Buddhism by Nagsena. n certain historical traditions, Nagasena is closely linked or associated with Nagarjuna.
Menander asked many questions related to Buddhism.
These questions and answers were recorded in the book:
Milindapanho, or Questions of Milinda.
For exams, Menander is important because he links Indo-Greek rule with Buddhism, Milinda Panha and Gandhara influence.
Indo-Greeks and Coinage
The Indo-Greeks made an important contribution to coinage.
- They were the first rulers in India whose coins can be definitely attributed to kings.
- They were the first to issue gold coins in India.
- They introduced features of Hellenistic art in the north-west frontier of India.
- Gandhara art was the best example of this influence in India.
The Shakas
The Shakas controlled a much larger part of India than the Greeks.
Historical accounts record five branches of the Shakas, each with seats of power in different parts of India and Afghanistan.
Vikramaditya and the Shakas
Around 57–58 BCE, a king of Ujjain fought effectively against the Shakas and succeeded in driving them out.
He was called Vikramaditya.
The era called Vikram Samvat is counted from the event of his victory over the Shakas in 57 BCE.
Western Shakas and Rudradaman I
The Shaka rulers of western India held power for a considerable time.
They benefited from sea-borne trade in Gujarat and used a large number of silver coins.
The most famous Shaka ruler in India was Rudradaman I, who ruled from AD 130–150.
Territories of Rudradaman I
Rudradaman ruled over:
- Sindh
- A good part of Gujarat
- Konkan
- Narmada Valley
- Malwa
- Kathiawar
Why Rudradaman is Important
Rudradaman is important for two major reasons:
- He repaired Sudarshana Lake in the semi-arid zone of Kathiawar.
- He issued the first-ever long inscription in chaste Sanskrit.
Rudradaman I was a great patron and lover of Sanskrit literature.
The Parthians
In many ancient Indian Sanskrit texts, the Shakas and Pahlavas are mentioned together as Shaka-Pahlavas.
Originally, the Parthians lived in Iran. From there, they moved to India.
They occupied only a small part of north-western India in the first century.
Gondophernes
The most famous Parthian king was Gondophernes.
Tradition holds that, St. Thomas is said to have come to India for the propagation of Christianity.
For exams, Gondophernes is important because he connects the Parthians with north-western India and the tradition of St. Thomas.
The Kushanas
The Parthians were followed by the Kushanas.
The Kushanas are also called Yuechis or Tocharians.
They belonged to one of the clans into which the Yuechis tribe was divided.
Extent of the Kushana Empire
The Kushana empire extended:
- From the Oxus to the Ganga
- From Khorasan in Central Asia to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh
This shows the wide territorial spread of the Kushanas across Central Asia and northern India.
Two Successive Dynasties of the Kushanas
The Kushanas ruled through two successive royal houses: the house of Kadphises followed by the house of Kanishka.
The first was founded by a house of chiefs called Kadphises.
They ruled for 28 years from about AD 50.
Kadphises I
Kadphises I was the first king of this line.
He issued coins south of the Hindukush.
He minted copper coins in imitation of Roman coins.
Kadphises II
Kadphises II was the second king.
He issued a large number of gold coins.
The house of Kadphises was later succeeded by the house of Kanishka.
Kanishka
Kanishka was the most important Kushana ruler.
The early Kushana kings issued many gold coins with a higher degree of metallic purity than the Gupta gold coins.
Kushana coins, inscriptions, constructions and sculptures found in Mathura show that Mathura was their second capital in India.
Their first capital was Purushpura, or Peshawar.
At Purushpura, Kanishka erected:
- A monastery
- A huge stupa
Why Kanishka is Famous
Kanishka is known in history for two major reasons.
1. Shaka Era
Kanishka started an era in AD 78.
This era is now known as the Shaka Era and is used by the Government of India.
2. Patronage to Buddhism
Kanishka extended patronage to Buddhism.
He held the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir.
In this council, the doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism were finalized.
Kanishka was also a great patron of art and Sanskrit literature.
Fourth Buddhist Council Under Kanishka
Scholars at the council composed extensive commentaries totaling over 300,000 verses explaining the three Pitakas.
Kanishka got these commentaries:
- Engraved on sheets of red copper
- Enclosed in a stone receptacle
- Covered by raising a stupa over it
This makes Kanishka important for both Buddhist history and literary tradition.
Impact of Central Asian Contacts
Central Asian contacts had a wide impact on India.
Central Asian rule exerted a profound influence across material culture, military methods, trade, polity, religion, and literature:
- Structures and pottery
- Better cavalry
- Trade and agriculture
- Polity
- Indian society
- Religious developments
- Mahayana Buddhism
- Literature and learning
- Science and technology
Structures and Pottery
The Kushanas used burnt bricks for flooring.
They also used tiles for flooring and roofing.
The period was marked by the construction of brick walls.
The typical pottery of this period was red ware.
Features of Kushana Pottery
- Red ware
- Plain and polished types
- Medium to fine fabric
This is important because material culture is often asked in ancient history exams.
Better Cavalry
The Central Asians did not have their own script, written language or organized religion. They adopted these cultural components from India.
But they made an important contribution to Indian military practice.
They introduced:
- Better cavalry
- Large-scale use of riding horses
- Reins
- Saddles
- Possibly a toe stirrup made of rope
These improved mobility in warfare.
Dress and Military Equipment
The Shakas and Kushanas introduced new clothing styles.
They introduced:
- Turban
- Tunic
- Trousers
- Heavy long coat
The Central Asians also brought:
- Cap
- Helmet
- Boots
These were used by warriors.
Trade and Agriculture
Central Asian people established close contact between Central Asia and India.
As a result, India received a good deal of gold from the Altai Mountains in Central Asia.
Kushanas and the Silk Route
The Kushanas controlled the Silk Route.
The Silk Route started from China and passed through the Kushana empire in:
- Central Asia
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Western Asia
This route was a major source of income for the Kushanas.
They built a large and prosperous empire because of the tolls collected from traders.
The Kushanas also promoted agriculture.
Polity Under Central Asian Rulers
The Central Asian rulers developed a feudatory organization.
The Kushanas adopted the grand title King of Kings.
This title showed their supremacy over many small princes who paid tribute.
Divine Kingship
The Shakas and Kushanas strengthened the idea of the divine origin of kingship.
The Kushana kings were called sons of god.
The title ‘Son of God’ (Devaputra) was adapted from the Chinese concept of the ‘Son of Heaven’.
Satrap System
The Kushanas introduced the satrap system of government.
Under this system:
- The empire was divided into many satrapies.
- Each satrapy was placed under a satrap.
- There was less centralization under these rulers.
The Greeks also introduced the practice of military governorship.
Their governors were called strategos.
New Elements in Indian Society
The Central Asians eventually lost their separate identity in India.
They gradually Indianized themselves.
Since most of them came as conquerors, they were absorbed into Indian society as a warrior class.
Foreign invaders were integrated into Indian society as warriors, categorized in Brahmanical texts as Fallen Kshatriyas (Vratya Kshatriyas).
This shows how foreign groups were gradually included within the Indian social order.
Religious Developments
Central Asian contacts also influenced religion in India.
Some foreign rulers converted to Vaishnavism.
A Greek ambassador named Heliodorus set up a pillar in honour of Vasudeva near Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh around the middle of the 2nd century BCE.
A few rulers adopted Buddhism.
Example:
- Menander
The Kushana rulers worshipped both:
- Shiva
- Buddha
Several rulers also worshipped Lord Vishnu.
Origin of Mahayana Buddhism
Central Asian contacts played a important role in the rise and development of Mahayana Buddhism.
It says that Buddhists welcomed foreigners who were non-vegetarians. This led to laxity in the day-to-day living of monks who earlier followed a sparse life.
Under these new influences, monastic practices expanded to include:
- Accepted gold and silver
- Took to non-vegetarian food
- Wore elaborate robes
Discipline became weak, and some renunciates even left the Sangha and returned to householder life.
This new form of Buddhism came to be called Mahayana, or the Great Wheel.
Literature and Learning
Foreign princes patronised and cultivated Sanskrit literature.
The earliest specimen of Kavya style is found in the Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman in Kathiawar around AD 150.
Ashvaghosha
Some great creative writers enjoyed Kushana patronage.
Prominent literary figures like Ashvaghosha flourished under Kushana patronage.
He wrote:
- Buddhacharita — biography of Buddha
- Saundarananda — a fine example of Sanskrit Kavya
Avadana Literature
In Mahayana Buddhism, various Avadanas were composed.
Most of them were written in Buddhist-Hybrid Sanskrit.
Important books of this genre include:
- Mahavastu
- Divyavadana
Yavanika and Theatre
The Greeks contributed to the development of Indian theatre by introducing the use of the curtain.
Since the curtain was borrowed from the Greeks, it came to be known as Yavanika.
Kamasutra of Vatsayana
Vatsyayana’s Kamasutra stands out as a prime example of secular literature from this period.
It is treated as the earliest work on erotics, dealing with sex and love-making.
Science and Technology
The Greek coins were properly shaped and stamped.
They were a major improvement over punch-marked coins.
The Greek rulers used the Brahmi script and also represented some Indian motifs on their coins.
In the fields of:
- Medicine
- Botany
- Chemistry
foreigners learnt more from Indians.
These three subjects were dealt with by Charaka and Sushruta.
The Charakasamhita contains the names of many plants and herbs from which medicines could be prepared for patients.
Sushruta is recognized as the pioneer and father of Indian surgery.
FAQs on Central Asian Contacts
What does Central Asian Contacts mean in ancient Indian history?
Central Asian Contacts refers to the political, cultural, economic and religious interactions between India and ruling groups from Central Asia, especially in north-western India after the Mauryan period.
Which Central Asian dynasty became most famous in India?
The Kushanas became the most famous Central Asian dynasty in India.
Who were the first to cross the Hindukush?
The Greeks were the first to cross the Hindukush.
Who was Menander?
Menander, also known as Milinda, was the most famous Indo-Greek ruler. His capital was Sakala, modern Sialkot.
What is Milindapanho?
Milindapanho, or Questions of Milinda, records the questions asked by Menander and the answers given by Nagsena.
What was the main artistic contribution of Indo-Greeks?
The Indo-Greeks introduced Hellenistic art features in north-western India. Gandhara art was its best example.
Who was the most famous Shaka ruler?
The most famous Shaka ruler was Rudradaman I.
Why is Rudradaman important?
Rudradaman is important for repairing Sudarshana Lake and issuing the first-ever long inscription in chaste Sanskrit.
Who was Gondophernes?
Gondophernes was the most famous Parthian ruler. St. Thomas came to India during his reign for the propagation of Christianity.
Who were the Kushanas?
The Kushanas were a Central Asian ruling group also called Yuechis or Tocharians. They succeeded the Parthians in north-western India.
What were the capitals of the Kushanas?
The first capital was Purushpura, or Peshawar. Mathura was their second capital in India.
Why is Kanishka famous?
Kanishka is famous for starting the Shaka Era in AD 78 and for patronising Buddhism by holding the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir.
Which Buddhist council was held by Kanishka?
Kanishka held the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir.
What was finalized in the Fourth Buddhist Council under Kanishka?
The doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism were finalized in this council.
What was the Silk Route?
The Silk Route was a trade route starting from China and passing through Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran and Western Asia. The Kushanas controlled it and earned income through tolls.
What military change came through Central Asian contacts?
Central Asians introduced better cavalry and large-scale use of riding horses, reins and saddles.
What was the satrap system?
The satrap system divided the empire into satrapies, each ruled by a satrap.
What was Yavanika?
Yavanika was the curtain used in Indian theatre. It was borrowed from the Greeks.
Who was Ashvaghosha?
Ashvaghosha was a major writer under Kushana patronage. He wrote Buddhacharita and Saundarananda.
Who are Charaka and Sushruta?
Charaka and Sushruta are linked with medicine, botany and chemistry. Charakasamhita lists many plants and herbs, while Sushruta is called the father of surgery
Last Moment Exam Cheat Sheet – Central Asian Contacts
- After the Mauryas, north-western India saw ruling dynasties from Central Asia.
- Among Central Asian dynasties, the Kushanas became the most famous.
- The first to cross the Hindukush were the Greeks.
- The Greeks ruled Bactria, or North Afghanistan.
- Indo-Greeks occupied a large part of north-western India.
- They moved as far as Ayodhya and Patliputra.
- The most famous Indo-Greek ruler was Menander.
- Menander ruled from 165–145 BCE.
- Menander is also known as Milinda.
- Menander’s capital was Sakala, modern Sialkot.
- Menander was converted to Buddhism by Nagsena.
- Milindapanho records the questions of Milinda and answers of Nagsena.
- Indo-Greeks were the first rulers in India whose coins can be definitely attributed to kings.
- Indo-Greeks were the first to issue gold coins in India.
- Indo-Greeks introduced Hellenistic art in north-western India.
- Gandhara art was the best example of this influence.
- The Shakas controlled a larger part of India than the Greeks.
- There were five branches of the Shakas.
- A king of Ujjain defeated the Shakas around 57–58 BCE.
- Vikram Samvat is counted from the victory over the Shakas in 57 BCE.
- Western Shakas benefited from sea-borne trade in Gujarat.
- The most famous Shaka ruler was Rudradaman I.
- Rudradaman ruled from AD 130–150.
- Rudradaman repaired Sudarshana Lake in Kathiawar.
- Rudradaman issued the first-ever long inscription in chaste Sanskrit.
- Parthians originally lived in Iran.
- Parthians occupied a small part of north-western India.
- The most famous Parthian king was Gondophernes.
- St. Thomas is said to have come to India during Gondophernes’ reign.
- Kushanas are also called Yuechis or Tocharians.
- The Kushana empire extended from Oxus to Ganga and from Khorasan to Varanasi.
- Kadphises I issued coins south of the Hindukush.
- Kadphises II issued a large number of gold coins.
- Kushana gold coins had high metallic purity.
- Kushana first capital was Purushpura / Peshawar.
- Mathura was the second Kushana capital in India.
- Kanishka started the Shaka Era in AD 78.
- Kanishka held the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir.
- Mahayana doctrines were finalized in this council.
- Kushanas used burnt bricks and tiles for flooring and roofing.
- Typical pottery was red ware.
- Central Asians introduced better cavalry and large-scale use of riding horses.
- They made common the use of reins and saddles.
- Shakas and Kushanas introduced turban, tunic, trousers and heavy long coat.
- Kushanas controlled the Silk Route.
- Silk Route tolls gave great income to the Kushanas.
- Kushanas adopted the title King of Kings.
- Kushana kings were called sons of god.
- Kushanas introduced the satrap system.
- Greek governors were called strategos.
- Central Asians were absorbed into Indian society as Kshatriyas.
- Heliodorus set up a pillar in honour of Vasudeva near Vidisha.
- Menander adopted Buddhism.
- Kushana rulers worshipped Shiva, Buddha and Vishnu.
- Mahayana Buddhism is called the Great Wheel.
- Ashvaghosha wrote Buddhacharita and Saundarananda.
- The Greek curtain in Indian theatre was called Yavanika.
- Greek coins were better shaped and stamped than punch-marked coins.
- Charaka and Sushruta dealt with medicine, botany and chemistry.
- Sushruta is called the father of surgery.